Loppet TRAIL KIDS

Winter Programs


The Loppet Foundation :: Programs :: Loppet TRAIL KIDS :: Loppet TRAIL KIDS Winter Program

The Winter Ski Programs are part of the Loppet Foundation’s TRAIL KIDS year-round programming.

Beginner to advanced skiers are split into ability and age-specific coaching groups, so that each youth is challenged appropriately. TRAIL KIDS sessions include technique drills, relays, games on skis, distance adventure skiing, and preparation for upcoming race events. The main focus is developing skills, having fun, and falling in love with a lifetime sport!

Please join us for the TRAIL KIDS Nordic Ski Pre-Season Meeting.

Winter TRAIL KIDS Six and Twelve Week Programs Include:

  • TRAIL KIDS Super Series Ski Race
  • Discounted registration for designated City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival youth race events.
  • Additional weekend and holiday adventure distance ski events (Presidents’ Day and Martin Luther King Day).
  • Loppet TRAIL KIDS winter hat.
  • Bi-weekly 1.5 hour coached training sessions focused on technique, ski drills, endurance, strength, speed, relays, games, and race tactics. Large focus is on developing skills, adventure and falling in love with a lifetime sport!
  • Coaching and wax support at specific CXC/Skiwerx race events.

Winter Equipment Program Guide

For more information on ski equipment, clothing and a beginner guide to both glide and kick waxing tips click here: Nordic Ski Equipment and Program Guide

These TRAIL KIDS sessions meet twice a week for twelve weeks, focusing on both classic and skate ski technique (both types of equipment are needed to participate in these sessions).

Tuesday/Thursday 12-Week Skate and Classic Nordic Session

  • Time/Day: Tuesdays/Thursdays, 6:00–7:30 pm
  • Start/End Dates: TBD
  • Type of instruction: Skate and Classic technique (usually one day classic and one day skate but depends on weather and snow conditions)
  • Equipment needed: Skate skis and poles (nose height) & Classic skis (skin skis or kickwax skis and poles – shoulder height). Combi boots can be used for both techniques.
  • Location: Programs are offered at both The Trailhead, Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis or Hyland Lake Park in Bloomington (Youth signed up for the Hyland TRAIL KIDS sessions can only attend at the Hyland location, and youth signed up for the Wirth TRAIL KIDS sessions can only attend at the Theodore Wirth Park location).
  • Registration Fee: TBD
Tuesday/Thursday 12-Week Programs

Registration Coming Soon

Monday/Wednesday 12-Week Skate/Classic Nordic Session

  • Time/Day: Monday/Wednesdays, 6:00–7:30 pm
  • Program start/end dates: TBD
  • Type of instruction: Skate and Classic technique
  • Equipment needed: Skate skis and poles (nose height) & Classic skis (skin skis or kickwax skis and poles – shoulder height). Combi boots can be used for both techniques.
  • Location Meeting Spot: This session only meets at The Trailhead, Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis 
  • Registration Fee: TBD
Monday/Wednesday 12-Week Programs

Registration Coming Soon

TRAIL KIDS offers two six-week sessions for those families who want a shorter time commitment. The sessions will teach both skate and classic technique, so both types of ski equipment are needed to participate.

Tuesday/Thursday 6-Week Skate/Classic Nordic Session

  • Winter TRAIL KIDS Nordic Session 1:
    • Evening session date/time: Tuesday/Thursdays, 6:00 – 7:30pm.
  • Winter TRAIL KIDS Nordic Session 2:
    • Afternoon session date/time: Tuesday/Thursdays, 4:00 – 5:30pm.
    • Evening session date/time: Tuesday/Thursdays, 6:00 – 7:30pm.
  • Program start/end dates: TBD
  • Type of instruction: Skate and Classic technique
  • Equipment needed: Skate skis and poles (nose height) & Classic skis (skin skis or kickwax skis and poles – shoulder height). Combi boots can be used for both techniques.
  • Location Meeting Spot: The Trailhead, Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis or Hyland Lake Park in Bloomington (Youth signed up for the Hyland TRAIL KIDS sessions can only attend at the Hyland location, and youth signed up for the Wirth TRAIL KIDS sessions can only attend at the Theodore Wirth Park location).
  • Registration Fee: TBD
Tuesday/Thursday 6-Week Programs

Registration Coming Soon

Monday/Wednesday 6-Week Nordic Session

  • Winter TRAIL KIDS Nordic Session 1:
    • Evening Session Date/Time: Monday/Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:30pm
  • Winter TRAIL KIDS Nordic Session 2:
    • Evening Session Date/Time: Monday/Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:30pm
  • Program start/end dates: TBD
  • Type of instruction: Skate and Classic technique
  • Equipment needed: Skate skis and poles (nose height) & Classic skis (skin skis or kickwax skis and poles – shoulder height). Combi boots can be used for both techniques.
  • Location Meeting Spot: The Trailhead, Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis
  • Registration Fee: TBD
Monday/Wednesday 6-Week Programs

Registration Coming Soon

Ski Ability Level Registration Guide

In order to place youth in the appropriate classic and skate ability groups we need your help during registration. Youth will be placed into ability groups and will be assessed by coaches the first week of session. Please refer to the Nordic Ski Ability Level Registration Guide when registering your child.

Scholarships and Sibling Discounts

Scholarships: Need-based registration partial scholarships are available. For information about TRAIL KIDS Program scholarships email trailkids@loppet.org.

Sibling Discount: For those families who have three or more kids in the program we will given a 15% discount code. Please email trailkids@loppet.org for more information.

Refund Policy

The Loppet will issue a full refund of the program fee minus a $40.00 processing fee up until one month before the program starts. There are no refunds for any cancellations within one month of the start of a program. During the program, if your child has a medical issue that makes it impossible to participate, we will issue a prorated refund minus $40.00 processing fee. If the Loppet cancels a program, a full refund will be issued.

A Note About the Data We Collect